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Budding legal eagles gear up for Granite City Moot

Law students from the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University are being put through their paces in preparation for the annual Granite City Mooting Competition, sponsored by Paull & Williamsons, which will see a team from each university pit their wits against each other at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday April 21.

The student rivals will engage in a lively legal debate in this prestigious real-life setting in front of Aberdeen’s Sheriff Douglas Cusine and a courtroom of academic staff, fellow law students, and representatives from Paull & Williamsons, as well as family and friends.

Two students from each university, a Senior and Junior Counsel, will go head-to-head. Third-year law students, Craig Donald (20) from Aberdeen and Kirsty MacCallum (21) from the Black Isle, will represent Robert Gordon University, whilst second-year students Campbell Stuart (20) from San Antonio, Texas, and Graham MacDonald (26) from Tain, will take the stand on behalf of the University of Aberdeen.

Mooting allows students to demonstrate both their legal knowledge and skills whilst adhering to the protocols of a real court.

The problem set to the students involves a family dispute over a valuable painting. Jacquelin MacKinnon, a Teaching Assistant at Robert Gordon University’s Department of Law, explains:

“Each team have to research a complex area of law, construct an argument which clearly and convincingly sets out why their client should win the case, and then deliver that argument in a way that will persuade the judge.

“This event is a great opportunity for the students to test their skills in a real courtroom setting in front of a real Sheriff. Public speaking skills and confidence only come with practice and moots are a great way to do this, showing students how their academic knowledge can be applied in practice.”

Judith Joy, President of the University of Aberdeen’s Mooting Society, adds:

“The competition will bring out the best mooting talent the universities have to offer and will provide an entertaining evening, no doubt reigniting old rivalries!The support from everyone involved, especially our sponsors Paull & Williamsons, will no doubt ensure that this great fixture in the legal calendar of the Granite City continues for years to come.”

The Granite City Moot takes place on Thursday April 21 at 7pm in Aberdeen Sheriff Court. A reception will follow the moot, courtesy of sponsors Paull & Williamsons.